Yardbarker: NFL Rumors and Gossiphttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl
Recent rumors and gossip about NFLen-usNFL Media executive deletes Twitter account amid scandalIn news of the world that we simply cannot make up, the entire NFL Network sexual harassment scandal has apparently taken an absurd and even more R-rated turn.According to Deadspin, vice president and executive editor for NFL Media, David Eaton, just recently deleted his entire Twitter account after attempting to hide countless interactions he had with alleged escorts and porn stars.Really, this isn’t fake news.“He appears to have spent much of yesterday deleting years’ worth of Twitter interactions with and unfollowing hundreds of accounts of escorts and porn stars; the entire Twitter account was deleted in the afternoon,” Deadspin reported.But wait…there’s evidence of his online exploits. And they’re about as odd as they are troubling.[Screenshots of the exec's tweets can be found here at Deadspin. Be warned that these may contain explicit content.] There’s also interactions with an adult movie actress on his since-deleted account. Apparently, Eaton’s online activity has been a talking point for some time a13 Dec 2017 20:59:42 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_media_executive_deletes_twitter_account_amid_scandal/s1_14810_25223216
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_media_executive_deletes_twitter_account_amid_scandal/s1_14810_25223216NFL Media executive deletes Twitter account amid scandalhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_media_executive_deletes_twitter_account_amid_scandal/s1_14810_25223216http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/8/88ef17044552f027052cfb6fadacdf8daff0d400/top_story/9978874.jpgEzekiel Elliott makes a daring bet with Hall of Famer Eric DickersonDallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is set to return from his suspension in Week 16’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. If he’s going to win a bet made with Hall of Fame back Eric Dickerson, Elliott is going to have to be sharp early.TMZ Sports cameras caught up with Dickerson, who shared the details of the bet.“Me and him have a personal bet for when he comes back,” Dickerson said. “He says that he’s going to get 200 yards in his return. I told him ‘no,’ that he ain’t going to get 200 yards. So the bet is that if he gets 200 yards, I have to give him one of my jerseys. It’s going to be one of my special jerseys that I played in. And if he doesn’t get 200 yards, then he has to give me a jersey he played in. And if he does, then I have to wear his jersey on air sometime.”Elliott has done some spectacular things on the field in his career. But a 200-yard day would be the first of his pro career.Elliott’s career high in single game rushing yards is 159, which he reached in Week 15 of the 2016 season aga13 Dec 2017 20:28:04 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ezekiel_elliott_makes_a_daring_bet_with_hall_of_famer_eric_dickerson/s1_12680_25223018
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ezekiel_elliott_makes_a_daring_bet_with_hall_of_famer_eric_dickerson/s1_12680_25223018Ezekiel Elliott makes a daring bet with Hall of Famer Eric Dickersonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ezekiel_elliott_makes_a_daring_bet_with_hall_of_famer_eric_dickerson/s1_12680_25223018http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/5/4529ffe6bf4e5acc4d448afdd8f67bdc5a04bc82/top_story/10394445.jpgWarren Sapp addresses sexual harassment allegations, claims he’s ‘always the bad guy’It didn’t take former NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp long to weigh in about the sexual assault allegations involving him and a former wardrobe stylist.Sapp was implicated in a lawsuit filed by Jami Cantor, which alleges that he gave her sex toys as Christmas gifts, talked about his sex life in front of her, showed Cantor pictures of women he had sexual relations with and urinated in front of her in the restroom.The Hall of Fame defensive end appeared on radio station 940-WINZ in Miami and attempted to tell his side of the story on Wednesday.“I’m still tying to figure out where’s the sexual harassment?” Sapp told radio host Andy Slater on WINZ-AM, a sports talk station in the Miami area, as transcribed by A.J. Perez of USA Today.“Where is the harassment at?” Sapp said. “I’m the notorious one. I’m always the bad guy. That’s why I’m in here today. Ain’t no #metoo, nothing. No sexual harassment. You are not going to put that on me.”Sapp also admitted that he gave sex toys as Christmas gifts to female colleagues,13 Dec 2017 19:07:19 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/warren_sapp_addresses_sexual_harassment_allegations_claims_hes_always_the_bad_guy/s1_12740_25222469
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/warren_sapp_addresses_sexual_harassment_allegations_claims_hes_always_the_bad_guy/s1_12740_25222469Warren Sapp addresses sexual harassment allegations, claims he’s ‘always the bad guy’http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/warren_sapp_addresses_sexual_harassment_allegations_claims_hes_always_the_bad_guy/s1_12740_25222469http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/c/6cf72d452f468bdd3b80cf1d3aebd3fc4d118cab/top_story/9665058.jpg49ers player: Jimmy Garoppolo has become leader of teamJimmy Garoppolo seems to be having a big impact on the culture of the San Francisco 49ers.The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has won both of his starts for his new team, and his impact goes beyond simple on-field matters. According to one unnamed 49ers player, Garoppolo has taken full control of the locker room and emerged as a legitimate team leader only a few months into his tenure with the team. For whatever it’s worth, Garoppolo has been getting consistently rave reviews from inside the Niners organization. It’s safe to say that he’s the centerpiece of their plans going forward after the way he’s started.13 Dec 2017 18:56:06 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_player_says_jimmy_garoppolo_has_become_leader_of_team/s1_127_25222355
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_player_says_jimmy_garoppolo_has_become_leader_of_team/s1_127_2522235549ers player: Jimmy Garoppolo has become leader of teamhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_player_says_jimmy_garoppolo_has_become_leader_of_team/s1_127_25222355http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/c/dcace3f612f6944a3a98af0e970fe52ed6dff3f4/top_story/10473782.jpgWhy the Jaguars are ready for the postseasonSo, what are we to make of the Jacksonville Jaguars?Out of seemingly nowhere (Jacksonville were 3-13 in 2016), they have scratched and clawed their way to the top of the AFC South. They’re 9-4—which is third-best in the AFC. With a big win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, the Jags are in the driver’s seat for their first playoff game since 2007.The Jaguars made that readily apparent last Sunday when they jumped out to a big lead over the surging Seahawks. Then, held on for dear life for 30-24 victory at home. The Jaguars, due to some exemplary defensive play, improved quarterback play and a great first-round draft pick last spring, have all the necessary elements to win their first division title since 1999. Plus, make some noise in the postseason.Although, despite one of the biggest wins in franchise history last Sunday, few people are talking about it. They are focused instead on an ugly end to the game on the field. Plus the reaction of Jaguars fans afterward.Here is Sports Illustrated’s Peter King in 13 Dec 2017 18:34:05 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/why_the_jaguars_are_ready_for_the_postseason/s1_11773_25222250
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/why_the_jaguars_are_ready_for_the_postseason/s1_11773_25222250Why the Jaguars are ready for the postseasonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/why_the_jaguars_are_ready_for_the_postseason/s1_11773_25222250http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/1/f1cf0579feab81ed06034535f459266b716be93a/top_story/10472929.jpgGoodell plans to step down as commissioner at end of new dealRoger Goodell’s new five-year contract is expected to be his last.NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart confirmed to reporters Wednesday that Goodell has decided to step aside as commissioner when his new deal expires in 2024, and that he intends to devote part of his time in the years to come to seeking out a successor. By the time 2024 rolls around, Goodell will have been commissioner for 18 years. That’s about the same amount of time that his predecessor Paul Tagliabue spent in the role.One has to wonder if the opposition from one owner in particular played any role in Goodell’s decision to make this next contract his last. It seems likely it would have been either way.13 Dec 2017 13:34:11 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/roger_goodell_plans_to_step_aside_as_commissioner_at_end_of_new_deal/s1_127_25219742
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/roger_goodell_plans_to_step_aside_as_commissioner_at_end_of_new_deal/s1_127_25219742Goodell plans to step down as commissioner at end of new dealhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/roger_goodell_plans_to_step_aside_as_commissioner_at_end_of_new_deal/s1_127_25219742http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/3/13603eca2ee4b475d44cee4e9661d243c22896d4/top_story/10354211.jpgRG3 says he turned down offers from Ravens, CardinalsFree agent NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III admitted on Wednesday that he actually turned down offers from both the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens during the offseason.“I had interest in the offseason, it just wasn’t the right fit,” Griffin told Michael Smith and Jemele Hill on SC 6 (h/t Arizona Sports 98.7 FM).”Griffin elaborated specifically as to why the Cardinals were not the right team for him.
“In Arizona, the reason it wasn’t a good fit was because Carson (Palmer) was there,” Griffin said. “I was willing to come in and work behind an experienced veteran quarterback who’s done a lot of great things. They had the backup in Stanton and they had also brought in Blaine Gabbert.
“Nobody lets four quarterbacks get practice time. That was the issue. It wasn’t the coach.”
Had RGIII signed with the Cardinals, that indeed would have made for a crowded quarterbacks room. But in retrospect, nobody anticipated that Palmer would go down with a season-ending injury. If Griffin was on the Cardinals’ roster, i13 Dec 2017 15:41:13 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/robert_griffin_iii_says_he_turned_down_offers_from_ravens_cardinals/s1_12680_25220804
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/robert_griffin_iii_says_he_turned_down_offers_from_ravens_cardinals/s1_12680_25220804RG3 says he turned down offers from Ravens, Cardinalshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/robert_griffin_iii_says_he_turned_down_offers_from_ravens_cardinals/s1_12680_25220804http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/4/34f7c25807e6e105cf97d7e7e1a5dcf96f243222/top_story/9666798.jpgMalik McDowell arrest video shows him berating officersSeattle Seahawks defensive tackle Malik McDowell was arrested for disorderly conduct outside a nightclub in Atlanta over the weekend, and let’s just say he was not exactly as cooperative as he could have been with police.Video footage that was obtained by TMZ shows McDowell repeatedly cursing at the officers who were arresting him. The 21-year-old called a female arresting officer a “b—h” several times and complained that he was being arrested for exercising his right to freedom of speech.“B—h I got money, that’s why I can talk s—,” McDowell told the officers. “One, two and three (pointing to officers) will never make as much money as I made in the last two months. You’ll be a broke b—h for the rest of your life.”At one point, McDowell began screaming that the arresting officers were trying to plant evidence on him, which drew some laughter from the officer who was searching his pockets. He also demanded that he be allowed to take a breathalyzer exam, falsely claiming that he has to be intoxicated in order to13 Dec 2017 14:24:21 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/malik_mcdowell_arrest_video_shows_seahawks_dt_berating_police_officers/s1_127_25220171
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/malik_mcdowell_arrest_video_shows_seahawks_dt_berating_police_officers/s1_127_25220171Malik McDowell arrest video shows him berating officershttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/malik_mcdowell_arrest_video_shows_seahawks_dt_berating_police_officers/s1_127_25220171http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/6/460f353943597dc2532846986ffbbdf9bcd3012c/top_story/10108244.jpgAlvin Kamara clears concussion protocol, to play this weekNew Orleans Saints rookie running back Alvin Kamara delivered this piece of good news after leaving last week’s game with a concussion. Kamara has reportedly cleared concussion protocol and is on course to suit up Sunday at home against the New York Jets.The rookie running back sensation departed last Thursday’s game early in the first quarter after being diagnosed with a concussion. New Orleans wound up falling to the Atlanta Falcons, 20-17.The team having Kamara back in the lineup as the Saints aim for win No. 10 is great news.Kamara is easily on pace to contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with 1,247 total yards and 11 touchdowns on record thus far.13 Dec 2017 17:31:01 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/alvin_kamara_clears_concussion_protocol_to_play_this_week/s1_12680_25221896
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/alvin_kamara_clears_concussion_protocol_to_play_this_week/s1_12680_25221896Alvin Kamara clears concussion protocol, to play this weekhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/alvin_kamara_clears_concussion_protocol_to_play_this_week/s1_12680_25221896http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/9/9922a33c3cb9bf5b3f954180026a51614b8b5397/top_story/10457856.jpgMcCarthy confirms Rodgers expected to start SundayThe Green Bay Packers are getting Aaron Rodgers ready to go.Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Wednesday that Rodgers is practicing as usual in preparation to start Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Rodgers had been sidelined for two months with a broken collarbone, but confirmed Tuesday that he was medically cleared to play. The Packers are subsequently wasting no time getting him ready to go. At 7-6, they are still in the playoff race, though they’d more or less need to win out and have a number of other results go their way to make up ground in a loaded NFC. Still, Rodgers returning will make them feel like they have a chance to pull that off.13 Dec 2017 13:54:58 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/mike_mccarthy_confirms_aaron_rodgers_expected_to_start_sunday/s1_127_25219931
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/mike_mccarthy_confirms_aaron_rodgers_expected_to_start_sunday/s1_127_25219931McCarthy confirms Rodgers expected to start Sundayhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/mike_mccarthy_confirms_aaron_rodgers_expected_to_start_sunday/s1_127_25219931http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/0/a02d56c409c04d1b377cb62c4c35533d9c3c3f4d/top_story/10349083.jpgCarson Wentz’s ACL surgery went ‘very well’Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz underwent successful ACL surgery on Wednesday.Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie confirmed that the surgery went “very well,” with Wentz expediting the process to recover sooner from his injury. Wentz has obviously set his sights to 2018 already, and has sought to make the best of a bad situation. It will be of little consolation to an Eagles team that harbored Super Bowl ambitions before Wentz’s injury, but a full recovery is expected and it appears he’ll be able to play most of 2018. They can at least take some solace in that.13 Dec 2017 16:47:23 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/carson_wentzs_acl_surgery_went_very_well/s1_127_25221536
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/carson_wentzs_acl_surgery_went_very_well/s1_127_25221536Carson Wentz’s ACL surgery went ‘very well’http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/carson_wentzs_acl_surgery_went_very_well/s1_127_25221536http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/4/5400c451a745facce83c49215bcffcd98bfa8f46/top_story/10463342.jpgSmith-Schuster wants Brown to pay his fine for Burfict hitJuJu Smith-Schuster served a one-game suspension and will have to pay a fine for his vicious hit on Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in Week 13, but the rookie wide receiver expects one of his teammates to help him cover the cost.After the game in which Smith-Schuster was flagged for his crack-back block on Burfict, Brown applauded him and offered to pay the fine. Smith-Schuster told reporters on Wednesday that he is holding the All-Pro receiver to it. Burfict, of course, has a long history of dishing out cheap shots — especially against the Steelers. He infamously knocked Brown out of a playoff game with a brutal blow to the head two years ago, so Brown obviously felt like the linebacker got what he deserved. After Pittsburgh’s game two weeks ago, Brown was all smiles in the locker room and made some vague comments about “karma.”Players aren’t supposed to cover each other’s fines, but Brown and Smith-Schuster will probably work something out. After all, the rookie is making a base salary of less than $500,13 Dec 2017 12:04:59 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_wants_antonio_brown_to_pay_his_fine_for_vontaze_burfict_hit/s1_127_25218383
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_wants_antonio_brown_to_pay_his_fine_for_vontaze_burfict_hit/s1_127_25218383Smith-Schuster wants Brown to pay his fine for Burfict hithttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_wants_antonio_brown_to_pay_his_fine_for_vontaze_burfict_hit/s1_127_25218383http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/5/4539d89895f0f00fa968952eb4cea592290c1e55/top_story/10460603.jpgReport: Tyrod Taylor expected to start in Week 15The Buffalo Bills were able to grind out a win in blizzard conditions against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend, and as a result they remain squarely in the playoff hunt. It sounds like it will be up to Tyrod Taylor to keep them there.Taylor missed last Sunday’s game because of a knee injury, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the veteran is expected to start against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Bills head coach Sean McDermott reiterated on Wednesday that Taylor remains the team’s starter when healthy. Rookie Nathan Peterman played well in Week 14 all things considered, but he left the game with a concussion and remains in the concussion protocol. In the event that neither Taylor nor Peterman can play, the Bills would be forced to start Joe Webb in an important divisional game.13 Dec 2017 10:31:28 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_tyrod_taylor_expected_to_start_in_week_15/s1_127_25217990
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_tyrod_taylor_expected_to_start_in_week_15/s1_127_25217990Report: Tyrod Taylor expected to start in Week 15http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_tyrod_taylor_expected_to_start_in_week_15/s1_127_25217990http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/7/278a431f23e137114f352a4cba36a1cfaa671ebd/top_story/10457025.jpgKyle Shanahan not expecting Jimmy Garoppolo contract soonThe San Francisco 49ers can be confident they’ve found a franchise quarterback, but coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t expect a massive deal for Jimmy Garoppolo in the immediate future.According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Bay Area, the first-year coach cautioned that he believes the sides won’t strike a long-term contract before the end of the regular season.That doesn’t change that the 49ers are planning to keep him.After opening the season 1-10, San Francisco has grabbed a pair of victories with Garoppolo under center. No quarterback in team history has thrown for more yards than Garoppolo did (627) in his first two starts with the Niners.Garoppolo will be a free agent after the season, so the desire — particularly from 49ers fans — for a contract extension and secured stability is obvious and understood.However, the 49ers don’t hold the leverage here. Garoppolo’s side should know San Francisco is willing to slap the franchise tag on the midseason acquisition, and it’s reasonable to believe he’ll perform well during t13 Dec 2017 10:16:47 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_shanahan_not_expecting_jimmy_garoppolo_contract_soon/s1_12680_25217840
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_shanahan_not_expecting_jimmy_garoppolo_contract_soon/s1_12680_25217840Kyle Shanahan not expecting Jimmy Garoppolo contract soonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_shanahan_not_expecting_jimmy_garoppolo_contract_soon/s1_12680_25217840http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/4/f4cd02174629986ad8bcd83650fb1126954f92a1/top_story/10473150.jpgReport: Mariota could need ankle surgery during offseasonMarcus Mariota has battled through a number of injuries in 2017, and one of them is serious enough that the Tennessee Titans quarterback may require offseason surgery.According to Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, Mariota continues to be bothered by a hamstring injury he originally suffered in Tennessee’s Oct. 1 game against the Houston Texans. The problem has been made worse by some lingering discomfort in his surgically-repaired ankle/leg. Mariota underwent offseason surgery last year on his lower leg after he broke his fibula on Christmas Eve.Mariota had a plate inserted in his leg following last year’s injury, and Kuharsky was told by a source that the quarterback could require a “clean-up procedure.”Mariota has not played well at all this season, as he has thrown 14 interceptions compared to just 10 touchdowns. He threw two interceptions in an ugly 12-7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, giving him 10 picks in his last six games. To his credit, Mariota was recently very critical of his own play and sa13 Dec 2017 09:58:19 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_marcus_mariota_could_need_ankle_surgery_during_offseason/s1_127_25217741
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_marcus_mariota_could_need_ankle_surgery_during_offseason/s1_127_25217741Report: Mariota could need ankle surgery during offseasonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_marcus_mariota_could_need_ankle_surgery_during_offseason/s1_127_25217741http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/9/b9f3bd384b007f057f0260be34ace4c516b9481d/top_story/10294490.jpg